Brigham
chain carrier clip



1966 R. s. BRIGHAM 3,286,81 7

CHAIN CARRIER CLIP Filed Sept. 6, 1963 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR ROGER SBRIGHPIM 1966 R. s. BRlGHAM 3,286,817

CHAIN CARRIER CLIP Filed Sept. 6, 1963 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR EOE-E2 S .BQIGHRM ll4 r I ll? BY -11 1 N ATTORNE United States Patent York Filed Sept. 6, 1963, Ser. No. 307,189 26 Claims. (Cl. 198179) This invention relates in general to new and useful improvements in conveying apparatus and more particularly to a novel conveyor which is specifically constructed for the purpose of engaging opposite edge portions of articles and while transporting the articles efiecting a movement together of the edge portions thereof transversely of the direction of transport.

This invention particularly relates to a novel clip which may be part of a conveyor mechanism which is specifically constructed for engaging a relatively thin edge portion of an article. 7

It is well known to provide a clip which is of a construction wherein when an article gripped thereby is tensioned, the grip on the article will increase. However, this invention relates to the opposite, Le. a clip that is constructed in a manner wherein the greater the compressive force of an article engaged with respect to the clip, the greater the gripping action of the clip.

A specific application of this invention relates to the opening of a flat tube which either may be initially formed in its flat state or which may have been formed in a tubular shape and then flattened. It is a primary object of this invention to provide a novel conveyor for a flat tube having thin edge portions, the conveyor including two endless conveyor members having opposed runs disposed in converging relation, and each of the conveyor members being provided with a plurality of clips particularly constructed to engage the edge portions of a tube and wherein the gripping of the edge portions of the tube is increased by the compressive engagement of the clip by the tube so that as the runs of the conveyor members converge and a transverse opening force is applied to the edges of the flat tube, the gripping action of the clips on the edge portions of the tube will increase to prevent any relative slippage between the clips and the tube during the transporting and opening of the tube.

Another object of this invention is to provide a novel clip for engaging a relatively thin flat surface, the clip including a pair of opposed jaws, means normally urging the jaws apart, and other means operable in response to compressive engagement by the clip by an article to effect the closing of the jaws and the gripping of an article by the jaws.

Another object of this invention is to provide a novel clip which is responsive to compressive engagement by an article to eifectively grip the article, the clip being of an extremely simple construction wherein it may be readily stamped from a single sheet of metal.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a novel article clamping clip which includes a pair of arms terminating in jaws, the arms being resiliently mounted and being normally movable apart to open the jaws, and there being a closing member extending between the arms with the closing member being engageable by an article to be gripped by the clip and operable to effect the swinging of the arms to move the jaws to an article gripping position.

A further object of this invention is to provide a novel method of opening a flat tube, which method includes the steps of tightly gripping edge portions of the tube and while transporting the tube longitudinally of its axis, moving the edge portions together transversely of the direction of movement to progressively pop open a flat tube.

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Yet another object of this invention is to provide a novel clip which is actuated by engagement by an article, the clip being formed of a simple strap which is bent to define a pair of curved resilient arms with the arms terminating in opposed jaws, and the jaw closing member extending between the arms and being engageable by an article to effect a swinging of the arms and the movement of the jaws together.

Another object of this invention is to provide a novel clip having resilient jaw supporting means normally resisting the movement of the jaws together, and other resilient means operable after an initial movement of the jaws to further resist movement of the jaws together whereby after an initial jaw closing movement, greater pressure of an article on the clip is required to effect a further closing of the jaws.

Still a further object of this invention is to provide a novel clip which is operable by the compressive engagement of the clip with an article to be gripped, the clip including a housing having jaw members slidably and pivotally mounted therein, and there being associated with the jaw members first means for normally urging the jaw members apart and second means for efiecting the controlled movement of the jaw members together in accordance with the compressive engagement of the clip with an article.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a novel clip assembly for use as part of a conveyor, the clip assembly including a clip to which an endless conveyor member may be attached, the clip having flat edge portions which are disposed within guideways whereby the path of movement of the clip is rigidly controlled.

With the above and other objects in view that will hereinafter appear, the nature of the invention will be more clearly understood by reference to the following detailed description, the appended claims and the several views illustrated in the accompanying drawings:

In the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the general details of an endless conveyor having clips formed in accordance with this invention, the conveyor being shown in the process of longitudinally moving a flat tube and effecting the opening thereof;

FIGURE 2 is a perspective View of a simple clip formed in accordance with this invention.

FIGURE 3 is a side elevational view of the clip of FIGURE 2 and shows the same being moved towards engagement with a flat tube.

FIGURE 4 is a side elevational view similar to FIG- URE 3 and shows the engagement of the tube with the clip and the gripping of the edge portion of the tube by the clip.

FIGURE 5 is a perspective view of a modified form of clip.

FIGURE 6 is a vertical sectional view taken along the line 6-6 of FIGURE 5 and shows further the specific details of the clip of FIGURE 5.

FIGURE 7 is a perspective view of still another form of clip similar to that of FIGURES 2 and 5.

FIGURE 8 is a perspective view of another form of clip embodying the spirit of this invention, but being formed primarily from a bent strap element.

FIGURE 9 is a perspective view showing a clip similar to that of FIGURE 8 but utilizing a modified form of jaw closing means.

FIGURE 10 is a perspective view of still another form of clip.

FIGURE 11 is an exploded perspective view showing the specific construction of the numerous components of the clip of FIGURE 10.

FIGURE 12 is a schematic perspective view showing the manner in which a clip may be guided in its movement as part of an endless conveyor, the illustrated clip being of a still further modified structure.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, reference 1s first made to FIGURE '1 wherein there is illustrated a conveyor construction particularly formed for the purpose of opening a flat tube, the conveyor structure being generally referred to by the numeral 20. The conveyor structure 20 includes two endless conveyor members 21 and 22 which are illustrated as being in the form of chains. The conveyor members 21 and 22 have a pair of runs 23 and 24 which are disposed in converging relation from left to right. The conveyor members 21 and 22 are supported and driven in any desired manner and for illustrative purposes, there has been shown with the conveyor member 22 a drive sprocket 25 which is carried by a drive shaft 26. In order to maintain the converging relationship of the runs 23 and 24, a pair of positioning rollers 27 are provided. If desired, other positioning rollers or like guide means may be provided along the runs 23 and 24.

In order to forge open a flat tube, such as the illustrated tube 28 at the sharp corners thereof, there is associated with the conveyor structure 20 at least one pair of forging rolls 29 which rolls are suitably mounted in any desired manner in forming a part of this invention so as to be within the tube 28. The purpose and general function of the rolls 29 will be described in more detail hereinafter.

In order to convey a flat tube, such as the tube 28 by the conveyor structure 20, the conveyor members 21 and 22 are provided at spaced intervals with clips. The clips may vary in structure and a simple form of clip, generally referred to by the numeral 30, is illustrated as being carried by the conveyor members 21 and 22. It is to be noted that the conveyor members 21 and 22 are provided with special links 31 to which the clips 30 are suitably secured in any desired manner. Referring now to FIGURES 2, 3 and 4 in particular, it will be seen that the clip 30 includes a flat base member 32 which is formed of sheet metal and which has formed integrally therewith a pair of arms 33. The arms 33 are connected together by a backing member 34 which is formed integrally with the arms 33 and is connected to the arms 33 by reversely turned portions 35. The reversely turned portions 35 also define opposed jaws 36.

It is to be noted that in the forming of the arms 33, a large opening 39 is formed in the center of the base member 32 so that the base member 32 is primarily in the form of a frame. It is also to be understood that the material of the clip 30 is such that the arms 33 and the reversely turned portions 35 are resilient so that the arms 33 normally assume the position shown in FIGURES 2 and 3 with the jaws 36 in spaced relation.

Referring now to FIGURE 3 in particular, it will be seen that when a clip 30 is moved towards a narrow edge portion 37 of the tube 28, the extreme outer edge of the edge portion 37 passes between the jaws 36 and comes into engagement with the backing member 34. As the compressive engagement between the backing member 34 and the edge portion 37 increases due to the relative movement of the clip 30 and the tube 28, the backing member 34 will be moved towards the plane of the base member 32 with the result that the arms 33 will flex, thus resulting in a distortion of the reversely bent portions 35 and the movement of the jaws 36 together to a position shown in FIGURE 4. Thus, the jaws 36 tightly grip the edge portion 37 of the tube 28 in a manner wherein the tube 28 may be driven or moved longitudinally of its axis by the conveyor members 21, 22.

In view of the fact that the runs 23 and 24 of the conveyor members 21 and 22 converge, it will be seen that the transverse pressure is applied on the edge portions 37 of the tube 28 with the result that an opening force is applied to the tube 28. As the tube 28 progressively moves along the runs 23 and 24,.it is progressively opened.

However, there remains in the tube 28 adjacent each' edge portion 37 an internal corner 38 which does not have a tendency to assume an arcuate contour. It is for the purpose of opening or rounding this internal corner 38 that the forge rolls 29 are provided.

It is to be understood thatthe forge rolls 29 are statube 28 over the forge rolls 29 is much in excess of that required merely to convey the tube 28. When the tube 28 is in the vicinity of the forgerolls 29, due to the position of the forge rolls 29 with respect to the runs 23 and 24, the edge portion 37 at each side of the tube 28 will be in much greater compressive engagement with thebacking member 34 than normal so that a much greater gripping action is applied to the edge portions 37 by the jaws 36. It will be understood that the relationship of the clips 30 with respect. to the edge portions'37 is not only one of gripping action, but also one of support by the edge portions in that it additionally prevents buckling of the edge portion 37 underv the forging pressure of the associated forge roll 29.

Referring now to FIGURE 6 in particular, it will be seen that there is illustrated a modified form of clip which is generally referred to by the numeral 40. The clip 40, like the clip 30, includes a base member 41 which is formed of sheet material and has a large central opening 42. A pair of arms 43 extends from opposite sides of the opening 42 and out of the plane of the base member 41 in generally converging relation. The arms 43 terminate remote from the base member 41 in reversely turned end portions 44 which also define a pair of opposed jaws 45. Due to the forming of the arms 43 and the resiliency of the material from which they are formed, the jaws 45 normally are in spaced apart relation, as is clearly shown in FIGURE 6. It is to be understood that the resiliency of the arms 43 is such that the arms 43 in themselves serve as jaw opening means.

The clip 40 also includes jaw closing means generally referred to by the numeral 46. The jaw closing means 46 include an elongated backing member 47 which is provided along a central portion thereof with turned portions 48 which are locked with the reversely turned end portions 44 of the arms 43'. The'backing member 47 has end portions 49 which extend rearwardly beyond the base member 41 and which terminate in opposed hook portions 50. The hook portions 50 are disposed behind the base member 41 and limit the movement of the backing member 47 forwardly with respect to the base member 41. It will be seen that the backing member 47 in a like manner limits the separation of the jaws 45.

When the clip 40 is brought into engagement with an edge portion 37 of the tube 28, the compressive engagement of the clip 40 with the backing member 47 results in the movement of the backing member 47 towards the base member 41 with the result that the arms 43 are rearwardly flexed and the jaws 45 move together to grip the edge portion 37. It will also be readily apparent that the greater the force on the backing member 47 to move the same towards the plane of the base member 41 ,t the greater the gripping action of the jaws 45.

In FIGURE 7 there is illustrated a clip, erally referred to by the numeral 51. formed of sheet material and includes a which is generally of a frame-like configuration so as to define a central opening 53. A pair of arms 54 extend which is geri- The clip 51 is inwardly from opposite sides of the opening 53 and project generally forwardly from the base member 52. The arms 54 are of a generally resilient construction so thatthey normally assume the illustrated configuration. The arms 54 terminate in a pair of opposed serrated jaws 55 which base member 52 are normally spaced apart due to the shape retaining characteristics of the arms 54.

A jaw closing member 56 is connected between the arms 54 and extends generally across the space between the jaws 55. The jaw closing member 56 includes a backing member 57 which is provided at the opposite ends thereof with sockets defined by pairs of straps 58. End portions of the arms 54 are slidably disposed within the sockets defined by the straps 58.

It will be readily apparent that when an article is passed between the jaws 55 and engaged with the backing member 57, the backing member 57 is urged towards the plane of the base member 52. This movement of the backing member 57 draws the end portions of the arms 54 towards the plane of the base member 52 with the resultant flexing of the arms 54 and a'sliding of the arms 54 through the sockets defined by the straps 58 with the result that the jaws 55 move towards one another to engage the article passing therebetween. It will also be apparent that the greater the pressure of the article on the backing member 57, the greater the deflection of the arms 54 and the greater the gripping action of the jaws 55.

Reference is now made to FIGURE 12 wherein there is illustrated a clip which is generally referred to by the numeral 60. The clip 60 is formed of a single sheet of resilient material and is conflgurated to include flat outer edge portions 61 to which there are integrally connected arms 62 which are of arcuate cross section. The clip 60 also includes a central backing member 63 which is connected to opposed portions of the arms 62 by generally S-shaped return bend portions 64. A part of each return bend portion 64 defines a jaw 65, and the jaws 65 are in opposed relation.

The clips 60, like the above described clips, are intended for securement to conveyor members, such as the conveyor members 21 and 22. In order to assure the proper positioning of the clips 60 as they move along the runs 23 and 24, each of these runs will be provided with a pair of guide members 66 which define opposed trackways 67. The edge portions 61 of each clip 60 are disposed within the trackways 67 for movement therealong.

It will be readily apparent that when an article to be gripped, such as the tube 28, has a portion thereof passed between the jaws and brought into compressive engagement with the backing member 63, there will be a movement of the backing member 63 in the direction of force application with a resultant flexing of the arms 62 and the jaws 65 together to clamp the article disposed therebetween. It will also be apparent that the greater the compressive engagement of an article with the backing member 63, the greater the clamping action of the jaws 65.

Referring now to FIGURE 8, it will be seen that there is illustrated a slightly different type of clip embodying the principles of this invention. The clip of FIGURE 8 is generally referred to by the numeral 70 and includes a base member 71 and a pair of curved arms 72. The arms 72 are formed integrally with the base member 71 and are connected thereto by reversely curved portions 73. The base member 71 and the arms 72 are formed of a resilient material so that the arms 72 are normally urged away from the base member 71. The arms 72 terminate in opposed jaws 74 which are normally spaced apart.

The arms 72 have connected thereto a jaw closing member, generally referred to by the numeral 75. The jaw closing member 75 includes a generally plate-like backing member 76 which is provided at the opposite ends thereof with pairs of straps 77. Each pair of straps 77 combines to define a socket 78 in which one of the arms 72 is slidably received.

When an article is passed between the jaws 74 and is engaged with the backing member 76, the movement of the backing member 76 towards the base member 71 results in a drawing of the free end portions of the arms 72 towards the base member 71 with the result that the jaws 74 move towards one another. It will be readily 6 apparent that the greater the movement of the backing member 76 towards the base member 71, the greater the clamping action of the jaws 74.

In FIGURE 9 there is illustrated a clip, generally referred to by the numeral 80 which incorporates many of the features of the clip 70. The clip 80 includes a base member 81 which carries a pair of arms 82 integrally connected to the base member 81 by a pair of reversely bent portions 83. The base member 81 and the arms 82 are formed of a resilient material so that the arms 82 normally tend to move away from the base member 81. The arms 82 terminate in a pair of normally spaced apart jaws 84 which are in opposed relation.

A jaw closing member 85 extends between and is connected to the arms 82. The j-aw closing member 85 includes a backing portion 86 which bridges across the space between the jaws 84. The jaw closing member 85 also includes a pair of resilient leg portions 87 which are integrally connected to the backing portion 86. The backing portion 86 has a pair of cars 88 struck therefrom with the ears 88 passing through openings 89 in the arms 82 and :being interlocked with the arms 82.

In the normal position of the clip 80, the leg portions 87 are spaced from the base member 81. Further, the legs 87 have terminal ends 90 which oppose, but are spaced from the backing portion 86. When an articie is passed between the jaws 84 and engages with the backing portion 86, the jaw closing member 85 is moved towards the base member 81 with an initial movement of the arms 82 towards the base member 81 and an associated initial movement of the jaws 84 together. After there is a movement of the clip sufficiently for the jaws 84 to grip an article, the legs 87 come into engagement with the base member 81 and an additional force is required to further move the backing portion 86 towards the base member 81. This permits an additional pressure to be exerted on the backing portion 86 without an over clamping engagement of an article by the jaws 84. The spacing of the terminal ends 90 from the backing portion 86 is sufficient to require the flexing of the arms 82 under the operating conditions of the clip 80.

Referring now to FIGURES l0 and 11, it will be seen that there is illustrated the details of a more complex clip, which clip is generally referred to by the numeral 91. The clip 91 includes a pair of jaw members 92 which are of an identical construction and which are channel shaped in cross section so as to include a top wall 93, side flanges 94 and 95, and opposed base flanges 96. Each jaw member 92 is square cut .at the outermost end thereof. At the innermost end of each jaw member 92 the side flange 94 extends the furtherest and is slightly undercut along the underside thereof in a tapered relation, as at 97. The associated base flange 96 is cut off at this point. The side flange 95 is relatively short and is cut ofl generally in transverse alignment with the base flange attached to the side flange 94. The base flange 96 associated with the side flange 95 is similarly terminated at this point.

The top wall of each jaw member 92 terminates intermediate the two side flanges 94 and 95. It is to be noted that when the jaw members 92 are brought together in opposed relation, the projecting portions of the side flanges 94 overlap the other jaw member 92. The top Wall 93 terminates in opposed jaws 98. The top walls 93 are provided with transverse slots 99 adjacent the jaws 98.

A spring clip 100 is provided for the purpose of urging the jaw members 92 apart and thus moves the jaws 98 into open positions. The spring clip 100 includes a base 101 and generally S-shaped upstanding legs 102. The legs 102 have the upper portions thereof passed through the slots 99. A jaw member restraining clip 103 is associated with the jaw members 92 and the spring clip 100 to limit the movement of the jaw members 92 apart. The clip 103 is provided with hooked ends 104 which are engageable around the ends of the top walls 93 to 7 restrict the amount of separation of the jaw members 92. The clip 103 is provided with a centrally located slot 105 through which the spring clip 100 passes. It is to be understood that the jaw members 92,. the spring clip 100 and the restraining clip 103 are first assembled as a unit.

At the time of the assembling of the clips 100 and 103 with the jaw members 92, the base flanges 96 are spread apart slightly. Afterthe clips 100 and 103 have been assembled with the jaw members 92, a light spring member 106 is inserted within the jaw members 92 between the clip 103 and the base flanges 96. A heavy spring member 107 is inserted within the jaw members 92 beneath the spring member 106. Each of the spring members 106 and 107 has downwardly curved central portions and raised ends. The end of the spring member 107 terminates in oppositely facing tongues 108.

The clip 91 also includes a base housing generally referred to by the numeral 109. The base housing 109 includes a bottom wall 110,.upstanding side walls 111 and end flanges 112. The side walls 111 have central portions thereof removed, as at 113. The end flanges 112 are provided with slits or openings 114.

A relatively heavy nut plate 115 is seated on the bottom wall 110 and a pair of fasteners 116 extend through the bottom wall 110 and are threaded into thread openings 117 in the nut plate 115. The fasteners 116 are used in the manner not shown for the purpose of securing the clip 91 to a conveyor member.

The jaw members are assembled in the base housing 109 above the nut plate 115 while one of the end flanges 112 is in an outwardly folded position. The tongue 108 of the spring member 107 is passed through the slot 114 in the upstanding end flange 112. Then the other of the end flanges 112 is pivoted to its upstanding position with the other tongue 108 passing through the slot 114 therein. In this manner, the spring 107 is locked in place and it in turn locks in place the jaw members 92. The jaw members 92 in turn lock in place the clips 100 and 103 of the spring member 106.

When the clip 91 is brought into engagement with an article, the article passes between the jaws 98 and engages the projecting portions of the side flanges 94 and 95 of the jaw members 92. This results in the movement of the opposed portions of the jaw members 92 towards the bottom wall 110. Such movement is a pivotal movement since the remote ends of the jaw members 92 are restrained against movement by the spring members 106 and 107. This inward movement of the opposed portions of the jaw members 92 results in the flexing of the clip 103 and a like deflection of the spring member 106 which resists the deflection of the clip 103. When the clip 103 has the central portions thereof deflected towards the bottom wall 110, there is a drawing together of the hooked ends 104 which react on the jaw members 92 to pull the jaw members together and thus eflect a gripping of the article by the jaws 98.

After a restricted movement of the jaw members 92, the central portion of the spring 106 comes into engagement with the central portion of the spring 107 and additional pivoting of the jaw members 92 is resisted by the spring 107. Thus a much greater pressure is required to obtain a further deflection of the jaw members 92 and a further gripping action thereby.

It will be readily apparent that all of the clips disclosed herein operate on basically the same principle and utilize similar constructions. In each instance the jaws of the clip are brought together by the application of pressure against the portion of the clip as an article passes between the jaws and comes to bear against a backing member or portion of the clip.

Although only preferred embodiments of the invention have been specifically illustrated and described herein, it is to be understood that minor variations may be'made in the disclosed forms of clip within the spirit and scope of the invention.

I claim:

1. An article retaining clip comprising opposed jaws, jaw opening means connected to said jaws resiliently urging said jaws to an open position and jaw closing means extending across the space between said jaws'and connected to said jaws for moving said jaws towards each other upon the compressive engagement of said jaw closing means by an article passed between said aws. J 2. The clip of claim 1 wherein said clip is of a onepiece construction.

3. The clip of claim 1 wherein said jaw closing means is formed separately from said jaws.

4. An article retaining clip comprising a base member having a pair of resilient arms extending therefrom in generally opposed relation, said arms including portions defining opposed spaced jaws, and jaw closing means extending across the space between said jaws and connected to said arms for moving said jaws towards each other upon the compressive engagement of said jaw closing means by an article passed between said jaws.

5.The clip of claim 4 wherein said arms and said base member are integrally formed.

6. The clip of claim 4 wherein said base member is in the form of a plate having a central opening generally 10. The clip of claim 4 wherein said backing member 1 has stop means thereon for engagement with said base to limit the movement of said jaws away from said base.

11. The clip of claim 4 wherein said jaw closing means includes a backing member having socket portions slidably receiving said arms.

12. The clip of claim 11 wherein said base member is in the form of :a plate having. a central opening generally aligned with the space between said jaws.

13. The clip of claim 4 wherein said arms and said base member are in the form of a bent strap.

14. The clip of claim 13 wherein said jaw closing means includes a backing member having socket portions slid-ably receiving said arms.

15. The clip of claim 4 wherein said jaw closing means includes a resilient portion engageable with said base member after limiting bending of said arms whereby a greatly increased force is required to effect movement of said jaws towards each other after an initial closing movement.

16. The clip of claim 4 wherein said jaw closing means includes a backing member, and slidable socket type connections between said backing member and said arms.

17. An article retaining clip comprising a support, a pair of opposed jaw members carried by said support for movement towards and away from each other, said jaw members having opposed jaws, a jaw opening member connected to said jaw members, and a jaw closing member connected to said jaw members, at least one of said members having a portion engageable by an article positioned between said jaw and reactive on said jaw closing member to effect movement of said jaw members towards each other.

. 18. The clip of claim 17 wherein said support is of the housing type and said jaw members, said jaw opening member and said jaw closing member are seated in said support.

19. The clip of claim 17 wherein said jaw opening memher and said jaw closing member are formed of resilient material and are of a generally U-shaped configuration, said jaw opening member acting in compression and engaging adjacent portions of said jaw members, and said jaw closing member acting in tension and engaging remote portions of said jaw members.

20. The clip of claim 17 wherein said support is of the housing type and said jaw members, said jaw opening member and said jaw closing member are seated in said support, and spring back-up means for said jaw closing member to vary the movement of said jaw members in accordance with the pressure exerted by an article being clamped.

21. The clip of claim 17 wherein said jaw members are mounted for limited pivotal movement, and said article engaging portion being on said jaw members.

22. An article handling device for simultaneously conveying an article and applying compressive forces thereon transversely of the direction of article movement, said article handling device comprising a pair of endless conveyors having opposed straight runs disposed in converging relation, and article clamping clips carried by said conveyors. V

23. An article handling device for simultaneously conveying an article and applying compressive forces thereon transversely of the direction of article movement, said article handling device comprising a pair of endless conveyors having opposed straight runs disposed in converging relation, and article clamping clips carried by said 3 conveyors, said clips being of the type wherein the greater the force exerted thereon by an article the greater the stripping action of said clips on the article.

24. An article handling device for simultaneously conveying an article and applying compressive forces thereon transverserly of the direction of article movement, said article handling device comprising a pair of endless conveyors having opposed straight runs disposed in converging relation, and article clamping clips carried by said conveyors, each of said clips including opposed jaws, jaw opening means connected to said jaws resiliently urging said jaws to an open position, and jaw closing means extending across the space between said jaws and connected to said jaws for moving said jaws towards each other upon the compressive engagement of said jaw closing means by an article passed between said jaws.

25. The device of claim 22 wherein guideways are provided for said clips along said runs.

26. The clip of claim 1 wherein the clip is formed from a continuous sheet of generally constant cross section in a direction normal to said jaws.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,329,936 2/ 1920 Spiess 271-79 2,804,965 9/ 1957 Anderson 198-180 X 3,135,490 9/1964 Kirlin 24-73 X FOREIGN PATENTS 826,883 1/ 1960 Great Britain.

EVON C. BLUNK, Primary Examiner.

WILLIAM B. LABORDE, Examiner.

R. E. KRISHER, A. C. HODGSON,

Assistdnt Examiners. 

23. AN ARTICLE HANDLING DEVICE FOR SIMULTANEOUSLY CONVEYING AN ARTICLE AND APPLYING COMPRESSIVE FORCES THEREON TRANSVERSELY OF THE DIRECTION OF ARTICLE MOVEMENT, SAID ARTICLE HANDLING DEVICE COMPRISING A PAIR OF ENDLESS CONVEYORS HAVING OPPOSED STRAIGHT RUNS DISPOSED IN CONVERGING RELATION, AND ARTICLE CLAMPING CLIPS CARRIED BY SAID CONVEYORS, SAID CLIPS BEING OF THE TYPE WHEREIN THE GREATER THE FACE EXERTED THEREON BY AN ARTICLE THE GREATER THE STRIPPING ACTION OF SAID CLIPS ON THE ARTICLE. 